Annoying Movie Goers: A Sort of Rant

They have been plaguing cinemas all over the world, and they will always find you. Always. I make it sound like annoying behaviour at the cinema is the end of the world. However, it does ruin the experience for many. So, without further ado, here’s my sort of rant on the matter.

For me going to the cinema was always an experience. When I was young, paying for a ticket was a luxury, so I didn’t go often, but when I did, it was of course thrilling and exciting. Even if the movie was not amazing, the big white canvas and the flicker of the projector lights left me full of wonder. Luckily, some time later, one of my uncles was working in a tiny mall, which had a super tiny cinema, and I was allowed to sneak into some sessions when there were available seats. Good movies, bad movies, horrible ones…yes, I am looking at you Barb Wire! I have seen it all in this small room which is now a theatre.

Retrospectively, I think that was when I began to love cinema, sneaking in and watching a movie in the tiniest room I have ever been is an experience that will always remain with me. Good times indeed, when you are young everything is simpler. Nostalgy aside, today as a grown man the love for cinema is still there. Admitedly, I haven’t watched many of the classics (it’s on the bucket list), but I still feel the same sense of wonder when I watch a good movie in the theatre. Today, with 3D, IMAX, IMAX 3D, 4D, there are more options that can arguably enhance the experience.

Now, annoying movie goers, they have always been there, they will always be. People are often annoying (myself included in the group, at times) so why wouldn’t that be the case while watching a movie. The funny part is that you can’t even predict who is going to be annoying. It can be the kid who really would prefer to go to the zoo, instead his parents dragged him to a “kids” movie; The old lady who has always something to say about a given scene; or the teen who keeps saying: Oh My God! Loudly expressing disgust when watching a horror movie.

The list could go on and on, and the situations we are exposed to are far too many. It’s a pity that not everyone knows what “being respectful of others” means, and inside the cinema many people don’t give a damn. If they become uninterested, you will hear about it. If they are interested, you will hear about it. If they want their friends to be interested, you will hear about it.

If you go to the cinema, a public place, you do not watch a movie the same way you do at home. Your family, your girlfriend or boyfriend, hell, even your cat might put up with your behaviour at home. In the cinema, there are other people around, and no, taking your shoes off is also no no, I am not watching a 4D movie to put up with weird smells, much less the smell of other people’s feet.

I guess in the end, you just have to power through, and be vocal if needed.

Sometimes they actually listen!

About The Author

I enjoy the little things in life. I smile a lot during live concerts...and whenever I have time, I share some thoughts on anything I watch. Something that happened often with friends, is now a healthy writing exercise.